UPS, USPS, IS THERE REALLY A DIFFERENCE??

[agent A]

hey all, i'm just curious

if i wanted to ship someone live insects in a box, would it make a difference whether i used UPS or USPS? i'm wondering because there is a UPS store abt 15 minutes walk from my house, while USPS is almost an hour walk into a dangerous area of town (traffic especially dangerous around there)

thanx

 

[massaman]

I use ups at the store alot and dont think it would make much difference depending on how you send it I guess but maybe you should get a ride or drive to the usps store if you cant walk there!

 

[twolfe]

I would think the rates at the UPS store for priority and express packages would be the same as the post office. Now UPS rates for 2 - 3 day packages are going to be much more expensive than priority and express packages.

If you plan to do a lot of shipping in the summer when you're out of school, you may want to consider buying a scale, printing your own labels (via USPS click-n-ship or Paypal), and scheduling to have the package picked up at your home. You get a free tracking # when you print your own label using one of those sites and you get a 15% discount on express packages.

 

[agent A]

Now when u say they pick them up can I just leave the package at my doorstep and when mailman guy drops off our mail he'll pick it up??

 

[twolfe]

You have to schedule it online. I think you tell them where the package will be located.

 

[Bug Trader]

The biggest differences in USPS, FedEx and UPS will be the prices, Many insects, mantids and feeders are a bit more tolerant to temps and delays so Id say USPS would be the cheaest by far whether its express overnght or priority mail. Ive shiped thousands of arachnids, mantids and dart frogs over the last 15 years and I can tell you theres been a better level of success with live arrival and on time delivery with fed ex than usps especially as of late with the delays and closing of post offices everywhere.

Best bet is to expect delays and other issues like the box being dropped and kicked around and pack for it. Its all in how you pack them for the journey.

Michael

 

[twolfe]

Just to clarify. UPS and the UPS Store are two different things. I have a friend who manages a UPS Store. They are independently owned and operated by franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc. Here are the mailing and shipping services the UPS stores by me offer:

Mailing and Shipping Services

Certified Mail™ with Return Receipt

Stamps and Metered Mail

Priority Mail®

Express Mail®

Parcel Post®

First Class Mail®

Global Express Guaranteed®

Delivery Confirmation™

UPS Next Day Air® Early A.M.®

UPS Next Day Air®

UPS Next Day Air Saver®

UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.®

UPS 2nd Day Air®

UPS 3 Day Select®

UPS Ground

 

[agent A]

I think I'll look into having USPS pick up packages I wanna send out

Anything that avoids me having to go to the PO is worth a try

 

[massaman]

although there is nothing wrong with the post office is just what opportunity there is to send is all!

 

[Rick]

UPS does home pick ups just like USPS. There is no reason to go to a post office or store if you have the packing materials and a printer to print the label. However, home pick up may not work for live mantids.